Looking at the world today, I see two very distinct versions of it. On one hand I see a technologically advanced, ever-expanding world of scarcity and competition. On the other, a natural, harmonious world of abundance. Then, sadly, I see a pretty intense conflict between the two. Will one side win over the other? Will we ultimately find balance between them? I recently came across an ancient story that explains the origin of these two paths the human race has taken and offers a prophecy that, true or not, gives me some hope for the future.
The story of the Eagle and the Condor dates back about 2000 years. It probably originated from the Amazon region, but it’s been found in many indigenous cultures in various forms throughout the world. According to this legend, at some point deep in our history, human societies decided to take two different routes and become two distinct people: the Eagle people and the Condor people.
The Eagle people identify with the mind, are industrial, revere science and technology and are consummate explorers – colonizing as they go. Predominantly of masculine energy, they would be seen as aggressors and masters of their world.
The Condor people are intuitive, creative and primarily of feminine energy. Indigenous people living in harmony with nature identify with this path. They prioritize the heart over the brain and mysticism over rationalism. They believe that they belong to the Earth and are its caretakers – not the masters over it.
The prophecy says that for much of history the two paths would not cross, but at a certain point beginning in the late 1400’s they finally meet. The Eagle will have become so strong that the Condor is nearly driven to extinction. We know that, since Columbus, this has certainly proven true in many cultures. Think of our Native Americans, the Mayans, the Aborigines and so forth.
Now for the good news. The story says that the Condor people will survive and the next period of history beginning in the late 20th century will usher in an opportunity for the Eagle and Condor to fly together in one sky and to co-create a higher human consciousness. Evidence that this period has begun is all around us: from a huge surge in socially responsible investing, alternative energy use, conservation projects, recycling, spiritual awakening, alternative medicine, the practice of meditation and yoga – the list goes on and on.
Yes, we still have plenty of challenges and the majority of society is still very much aligned with the Eagle. But with perseverance and hope we will get there and fulfill this beautiful prophecy by creating a New Earth of peace and harmony with nature.
So where does that leave you? Can you feel this duality within yourself? Is there part of you that is doing your best to make a living, support a family, accumulate enough money to retire, buy bigger and bigger houses, nicer and nicer cars, more and more stuff? At the same time is there part of you that wonders what this is all about? What’s my purpose on this planet? Isn’t the way we are treating the Earth going to wipe us out? What’s the point of it all?
I believe the Eagle and Condor are within us all. Our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. In some the Eagle is dominant and must succeed at all costs, never having enough and constantly striving for more and more. In others, the Condor rules the roost and feels lost in this material world, longing for a more simple life in harmony with nature and all beings.
We must find a balance to be truly happy. We can bring the Eagle and Condor together within ourselves and let them soar as one, creating a higher consciousness. We can provide for ourselves and for others while at the same time respecting each other and our planet. Being good and doing well can coexist. In fact our very survival as a species depends on it.
Working as a Certified Money Coach is my way of bringing these two worlds together. We need money to survive, but too many of us let it take over our lives. We may become the Eagle, creating a fear of scarcity, competition and the never ending need for more. Or we may be the Condor, where we run from the material world and push money away as “bad,” creating long-term financial struggle. Most of us are somewhere in between, but still out of balance.
The money coaching process identifies these Eagle and Condor behaviors and creates strategies that allow them to soar together as one within us – raising our consciousness and transcending the weight of the material world. As a result we can effortlessly attract what we need into our lives and live a much more harmonious life with everything around us.
If you are ready to begin this journey, the time is now and has never been more important. Don’t put it off another day!